Grinding Machine with Replacement Structure for Replacing Trimming Grinding Wheel Automatically

ABSTRACT

A grinding machine includes a working grinder and a holding unit. The working grinder includes a grinding wheel mounting section and a power mechanism. A grinding wheel is mounted on the grinding wheel mounting section. The holding unit includes a base, a movable seat, a holding device, and a grinding wheel trimming module. The grinding wheel trimming module includes a transmission shaft box, a motor, a holding claw, and a clamping cylinder. The holding claw is used for holding a trimming grinding wheel. The holding unit further includes a pedestal, and a clamping arm. The clamping arm is provided with a holding end. Thus, the holding end grips and moves the trimming grinding wheel to the holding claw which is driven by the clamping cylinder to clamp the trimming grinding wheel. Then, the holding end releases the trimming grinding wheel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a working machine and, more particularly, to a grinding machine with a replacement structure for replacing a trimming grinding wheel automatically.

2. Description of the Related Art

A grinding machine is used to grind a workpiece, such as a cutter, a mechanic part or the like. The grinding machine comprises a grinding wheel to abrade and remove a redundant portion of the workpiece to get a required size and working surface of the workpiece. A conventional grinding machine comprises a replacement device for replacing the grinding wheel so as to maintain precision of the grinding process. In practice, the grinding wheel to be replaced is located at the same position of the mandrel to reduce the time for calibrating and adjusting the position of the grinding wheel. The conventional grinding machine further comprises a trimming grinding wheel for trimming the grinding wheel after installation of the grinding wheel to reach the precision. However, the grinding wheel needs to be replaced manually, and the trimming grinding wheel needs a manual measurement and trimming treatment. In addition, it is necessary to adjust an error between the grinding wheel and the trimming grinding wheel so as to trim the grinding wheel to reach the required state. When a rotary trimming grinding wheel is used to dress the grinding wheel, an exact alignment is necessary. The trimming grinding wheel is dressed and replaced by manual labor so that the precision of the trimming grinding wheel is affected. Further, the grinding wheel can be replaced quickly, while the trimming grinding wheel cannot be replaced quickly, thereby decreasing the working efficiency of the grinding machine.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a grinding machine having a trimming grinding wheel that is replaced automatically.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a grinding machine comprising a working grinder and a holding unit. The working grinder includes a grinding wheel mounting section and a power mechanism. A grinding wheel is mounted on the grinding wheel mounting section. The power mechanism supplies a power to the grinding wheel mounting section to drive the grinding wheel. The holding unit includes a base, a movable seat movably mounted on the base, and a holding device mounted on the movable seat for holding a workpiece. The holding unit further includes a grinding wheel trimming module mounted on the movable seat. The grinding wheel trimming module includes a transmission shaft box, a motor, a holding claw, and a clamping cylinder. The transmission shaft box is mounted on the movable seat and arranged beside the holding device. The motor is mounted on a side of the transmission shaft box and provides a power to the transmission shaft box. The holding claw is mounted on a first end of the transmission shaft box for holding a trimming grinding wheel. The clamping cylinder is mounted on a second end of the transmission shaft box for driving the holding claw to clamp the trimming grinding wheel. The holding unit further includes a pedestal arranged beside the base, and a clamping arm mounted on the pedestal. The clamping arm is provided with a holding end. The holding end of the clamping arm grips the trimming grinding wheel and moves the trimming grinding wheel to the holding claw of the grinding wheel trimming module. The holding claw is driven by the clamping cylinder to clamp the trimming grinding wheel. The holding end of the clamping arm releases the trimming grinding wheel. The motor drives the transmission shaft box which drives and rotates the holding claw which rotates the trimming grinding wheel.

According to the primary advantage of the present invention, the trimming grinding wheel is mounted and replaced automatically by the clamping arm and the clamping cylinder, without having to calibrate and align (or level) the position of the trimming grinding wheel, thereby enhancing the working efficiency of the grinding machine.

Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grinding machine in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a locally enlarged perspective view of the grinding machine in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the grinding machine in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , a grinding machine in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a working grinder 1 and a holding unit 2.

The working grinder 1 includes a grinding wheel mounting section 11 and a power mechanism 12. The grinding wheel mounting section 11 is used for mounting a grinding wheel (or sand wheel or emery wheel or abrasion wheel). The power mechanism 12 supplies a power to the grinding wheel mounting section 11 to drive the grinding wheel for performing a grinding process.

The holding unit 2 includes a base 21, a movable seat 22 movably mounted on an upper end of the base 21, and a holding (or clamping) device 221 mounted on an upper end of the movable seat 22 for holding a workpiece. Thus, the grinding wheel of the grinding wheel mounting section 11 of the working grinder 1 is used to grind the workpiece of the holding device 221 of the holding unit 2.

The holding unit 2 further includes a grinding wheel trimming module 222 mounted on the movable seat 22. The grinding wheel trimming module 222 includes a transmission shaft box 2221, a motor 2222, a holding (or clamping) claw (or chuck) 2223, and a clamping (or boosting) cylinder 2224.

The transmission shaft box 2221 is mounted on the movable seat 22 and arranged beside the holding device 221. The motor 2222 is mounted on a side of the transmission shaft box 2221. The motor 2222 provides a power to the transmission shaft box 2221 which drives and rotates the holding claw 2223. The holding claw 2223 is mounted on a first end of the transmission shaft box 2221 for holding a trimming grinding wheel. The holding claw 2223 is directed toward the grinding wheel mounting section 11. The holding claw 2223 is driven and rotated by the transmission shaft box 2221 which is driven by the motor 2222. For example, the transmission shaft box 2221 is transmitted by belts or gears, and the motor 2222 has a rotation shaft connected with the transmission shaft box 2221 so that the transmission shaft box 2221 is driven by the motor 2222 to rotate the holding claw 2223. The clamping cylinder 2224 is mounted on a second end of the transmission shaft box 2221 for driving the holding claw 2223 to clamp the trimming grinding wheel by a hydraulic power. The clamping cylinder 2224 is located opposite to the holding claw 2223.

The holding unit 2 further includes a pedestal 23 arranged beside the base 21, and a clamping arm (or boom) 231 mounted on an upper end of the pedestal 23. The clamping arm 231 is provided with a holding (or clamping) end 2311.

In practice, the holding end 2311 of the clamping arm 231 grips the trimming grinding wheel and moves the trimming grinding wheel to the holding claw 2223 of the grinding wheel trimming module 222. The holding claw 2223 is driven by the clamping cylinder 2224 to clamp the trimming grinding wheel. Then, the holding end 2311 of the clamping arm 231 releases the trimming grinding wheel. Thus, the motor 2222 drives the transmission shaft box 2221 which drives and rotates the holding claw 2223 which rotates the trimming grinding wheel. In such a manner, the trimming grinding wheel is directly clamped by the holding claw 2223 to perform a trimming treatment, so that the position of the trimming grinding wheel is located precisely, without having to measure the position of the trimming grinding wheel by a manual labor, and without having to repeatedly adjust the position of the trimming grinding wheel held by the holding claw 2223.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base 21 and the pedestal 23 are connected or formed integrally. The holding device 221 is mounted on the movable seat 22 which is mounted on the base 21, and the clamping arm 231 is mounted on the pedestal 23. Thus, a constant distance is defined between the base 21 and the pedestal 23 to reduce an error produced due to a position change between the holding device 221 and the clamping arm 231.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grinding wheel mounting section 11 of the working grinder 1 has an axis parallel with that of the holding claw 2223 of the grinding wheel trimming module 222.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grinding machine further comprises a central computer 3 including a distance adjusting module 31 electrically connected with the clamping arm 231 and the holding device 221. The distance adjusting module 31 controls the clamping arm 231 to adjust an axial distance of the trimming grinding wheel mounted on the holding claw 2223.

In practice, the clamping arm 231 grips and moves the trimming grinding wheel to the holding claw 2223 of the grinding wheel trimming module 222, and the holding claw 2223 is driven by the clamping cylinder 2224 to clamp the trimming grinding wheel. Thus, the distance adjusting module 31 of the central computer 3 records the last position of the clamping arm 231 which holds the trimming grinding wheel, so that the clamping arm 231 is controlled by the distance adjusting module 31 of the central computer 3 and adjusted to the same position. Thus, the axial distance of the trimming grinding wheel mounted on the holding claw 2223 is adjusted.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distance adjusting module 31 is further electrically connected with the power mechanism 12 of the working grinder 1. The distance adjusting module 31 calibrates a relative position between the grinding wheel of the grinding wheel mounting section 11 and the trimming grinding wheel of the holding claw 2223 of the grinding wheel trimming module 222.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamping arm 231 includes a plurality of adjusting aim sections 2312. The adjusting arm sections 2312 are connected by a plurality of steering (or change-direction or diverting) motors 2313, and any two of the adjusting arm sections 2312 are connected by one of the steering motors 2313. The adjusting arm sections 2312 have a first end connected with the pedestal 23 and a second end connected with the holding end 2311.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamping arm 231 is provided with an identification section 2314 electrically connected with the central computer 3 for identifying the trimming grinding wheel to be replaced.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grinding wheel mounting section 11 is provided with an identification zone 111 electrically connected with the identification section 2314 for identifying the grinding wheel. After the grinding wheel is identified by the identification zone 111, the identification section 2314 selects the trimming grinding wheel corresponding to the grinding wheel.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmission shaft box 2221 is provided with a grinding detector (or wear detector) 2225 for detecting wear (or abrasion) of the trimming grinding wheel to facilitate replacement of the trimming grinding wheel.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grinding machine further comprises a clamping member 4 connected with the holding claw 2223 for clamping the trimming grinding wheel. The clamping member 4 is provided with a grip end 41 for cooperating with the holding end 2311 of the clamping arm 231.

In operation, the movable seat 22 is moved on the base 21, so that the holding device 221 is moved, and the workpiece is moved with the holding device 221 and is abraded by the grinding wheel mounted on the grinding wheel mounting section 11 of the working grinder 1. Thus, the grinding wheel of the grinding wheel mounting section 11 of the working grinder 1 is used to successively grind the workpiece of the holding device 221 of the holding unit 2.

When a new grinding wheel is installed, the newly mounted grinding wheel needs to be trimmed to keep the precision for working the workpiece. The grinding wheel trimming module 222 is mounted on the movable seat 22 to move with the movable seat 22. The grinding wheel trimming module 222 is located beside the holding device 221. The motor 2222 is mounted on a side of the transmission shaft box 2221 and provides a power to the transmission shaft box 2221 which drives and rotates the holding claw 2223 which holds and rotates the trimming grinding wheel so that the trimming grinding wheel is rotated to trim the grinding wheel. The clamping cylinder 2224 is connected with the transmission shaft box 2221 for driving the holding claw 2223 to clamp or loosen the trimming grinding wheel.

When the trimming grinding wheel needs to be replaced, the holding end 2311 of the clamping arm 231 of the holding unit 2 is used to grip a new trimming grinding wheel and move the new trimming grinding wheel to the holding claw 2223 of the grinding wheel trimming module 222 to replace the old trimming grinding wheel on the holding claw 2223 of the grinding wheel trimming module 222. In such a manner, the holding end 2311 of the clamping arm 231 is used to grip the new trimming grinding wheel and to replace the old trimming grinding wheel that is worn out at the fixed position, so that the trimming grinding wheel is mounted and replaced automatically without needing aid of a labor work.

In addition, the clamping member 4 is connected with the holding claw 2223 to facilitate the holding claw 2223 clamping the trimming grinding wheel steadily. The clamping member 4 is provided with a grip end 41 for cooperating with the holding end 2311 of the clamping arm 231. In such a manner, the grip end 41 of the clamping member 4 is served as an axis (or shaft) of the trimming grinding wheel to facilitate the holding end 2311 of the clamping arm 231 holding the trimming grinding wheel steadily during replacement of the trimming grinding wheel. Thus, after the clamping member 4 is mounted, the trimming grinding wheel is kept at the same position during replacement by provision of the grip end 41.

Therefore, the holding end 2311 of the clamping arm 231 keeps the position of the trimming grinding wheel placed on the holding claw 2223 of the grinding wheel trimming module 222. In addition, the trimming grinding wheel is kept at the fixed position by pressing of the holding end 2311 of the clamping arm 231 when the clamping cylinder 2224 drives the holding claw 2223 to clamp the trimming grinding wheel, thereby preventing from producing an error due to a position difference.

Further, the base 21 and the pedestal 23 are connected or formed integrally so that the relative position between the base 21 and the pedestal 23 is fixed to reduce the error produced during replacement of the trimming grinding wheel and to prevent from causing a deflection of the trimming grinding wheel when vibration is produced during operation of the clamping cylinder 2224.

Further, the grinding wheel mounting section 11 of the working grinder 1 has an axis parallel with that of the holding claw 2223 of the grinding wheel trimming module 222, so that the grinding wheel is trimmed by the trimming grinding wheel to have a desired profile.

Further, the distance adjusting module 31 of the central computer 3 is electrically connected with the clamping arm 231 and the holding device 221 to control the clamping arm 231 to adjust the position of the holding claw 2223. Thus, the distance adjusting module 31 of the central computer 3 records the original position of the clamping arm 231 which holds the trimming grinding wheel on the holding claw 2223, so that the trimming grinding wheel is placed and located at the same position when the trimming grinding wheel is replaced, thereby increasing the working efficiency of the grinding machine.

Further, the distance adjusting module 31 is electrically connected with the power mechanism 12 of the working grinder 1 to calibrate the relative position between the grinding wheel of the grinding wheel mounting section 11 and the trimming grinding wheel of the holding claw 2223 of the grinding wheel trimming module 222 so that the grinding machine is operated smoothly.

Further, the clamping arm 231 includes a plurality of adjusting arm sections 2312, and the steering motors 2313 are connected between the adjusting arm sections 2312 and between the adjusting arm sections 2312 and the holding end 2311. Thus, the adjusting arm sections 2312 and the holding end 2311 are pivoted by operation of the steering motors 2313. In such a manner, the steering motors 2313 provide an angle adjustable function to the adjusting arm sections 2312 and the holding end 2311, so that the clamping arm 231 clamps the trimming grinding wheel at different angles and positions by provision of the steering motors 2313. Thus, when the trimming grinding wheel is located in a determined area that the clamping arm 231 can reach, the trimming grinding wheel may be placed freely, and the clamping aim 231 clamps the trimming grinding wheel exactly, without having to restrict the position of the trimming grinding wheel.

Further, the identification section 2314 of the clamping arm 231 is electrically connected with the central computer 3 for identifying the trimming grinding wheel with different shapes. Thus, the identification section 2314 identifies the position, angle, and direction of the trimming grinding wheel, so that the clamping arm 231 clamps the trimming grinding wheel at the same position, and the trimming grinding wheel is kept at the same position after replacement. Besides, the identification section 2314 identifies the position and specification of the trimming grinding wheel, so that the clamping arm 231 clamps the trimming grinding wheel, without having to limit the location and direction of the trimming grinding wheel.

Further, the identification zone 111 of the grinding wheel mounting section 11 is electrically connected with the identification section 2314 for identifying the grinding wheel. Thus, after the grinding wheel is replaced, the trimming grinding wheel is also replaced by identification of the identification zone 111 and the identification section 2314 so as to correspond to the grinding wheel.

Further, the grinding detector 2225 of the transmission shaft box 2221 is used to detect the instant state and condition of the trimming grinding wheel by vibration or sound frequency to facilitate replacement of the trimming grinding wheel when reaching a determined wear.

Accordingly, the trimming grinding wheel is mounted and replaced automatically by the clamping arm 231 and the clamping cylinder 2224, without having to calibrate and align (or level) the position of the trimming grinding wheel, thereby enhancing the working efficiency of the grinding machine. In addition, the trimming grinding wheel is replaced quickly and automatically. Further, the clamping arm 231 is controlled by the distance adjusting module 31 of the central computer 3 to locate the position of the trimming grinding wheel, without having to adjust the clamping position of the trimming grinding wheel, so that the trimming grinding wheel is installed rapidly to correspond to the grinding wheel. Further, when the grinding wheel is replaced, the trimming grinding wheel matching the grinding wheel is also replaced simultaneously. In the conventional grinding machine, the grinding wheel is replaced manually and has to align (or level) the position of the workpiece (or cutter), and the position of the trimming grinding wheel is changed after replacement. On the contrary, in the present invention, the position of the trimming grinding wheel is located precisely by manipulation of the clamping arm 231 to eliminate the time for aligning the trimming grinding wheel and to save the manual labor.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment(s) as mentioned above, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claim or claims will cover such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the invention. 

1. A grinding machine comprising: a working grinder and a holding unit; wherein: the working grinder includes a grinding wheel mounting section and a power mechanism; a grinding wheel is mounted on the grinding wheel mounting section; the power mechanism supplies a power to the grinding wheel mounting section to drive the grinding wheel; the holding unit includes a base, a movable seat movably mounted on the base, and a holding device mounted on the movable seat for holding a workpiece; the holding unit further includes a grinding wheel trimming module mounted on the movable seat; the grinding wheel trimming module includes a transmission shaft box, a motor, a holding claw, and a clamping cylinder; the transmission shaft box is mounted on the movable seat and arranged beside the holding device; the motor is mounted on a side of the transmission shaft box and provides a power to the transmission shaft box; the holding claw is mounted on a first end of the transmission shaft box for holding a trimming grinding wheel; the clamping cylinder is mounted on a second end of the transmission shaft box for driving the holding claw to clamp the trimming grinding wheel; the holding unit further includes a pedestal arranged beside the base, and a clamping arm mounted on the pedestal; the clamping arm is provided with a holding end; the holding end of the clamping arm grips the trimming grinding wheel and moves the trimming grinding wheel to the holding claw of the grinding wheel trimming module; the holding claw is driven by the clamping cylinder to clamp the trimming grinding wheel; the holding end of the clamping arm releases the trimming grinding wheel; and the motor drives the transmission shaft box which drives and rotates the holding claw which rotates the trimming grinding wheel.
 2. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base and the pedestal are connected or formed integrally, and a constant distance is defined between the base and the pedestal.
 3. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grinding wheel mounting section of the working grinder has an axis parallel with that of the holding claw of the grinding wheel trimming module.
 4. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a central computer including a distance adjusting module electrically connected with the clamping arm and the holding device; wherein: the distance adjusting module controls the clamping arm to adjust an axial distance of the trimming grinding wheel mounted on the holding claw.
 5. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein: the distance adjusting module is further electrically connected with the power mechanism of the working grinder; and the distance adjusting module calibrates a relative position between the grinding wheel of the grinding wheel mounting section and the trimming grinding wheel of the holding claw of the grinding wheel trimming module.
 6. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the clamping arm includes a plurality of adjusting arm sections; and the adjusting arm sections and the holding end are connected by a plurality of steering motors.
 7. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein the clamping arm is provided with an identification section electrically connected with the central computer for identifying the trimming grinding wheel to be replaced.
 8. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein the grinding wheel mounting section is provided with an identification zone electrically connected with the identification section for identifying the grinding wheel.
 9. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmission shaft box is provided with a grinding detector for detecting wear of the trimming grinding wheel.
 10. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a clamping member connected with the holding claw for clamping the trimming grinding wheel; wherein: the clamping member is provided with a grip end cooperating with the holding end of the clamping arm. 